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Budapest


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The Paris of the Danube.
Budapest combines historic architecture and rich culture with modern style.
Budapest is a sprawling city split by the mighty Danube River. It's a gorgeous destination for travel in Central Europe. Are you interested in history, architecture, relaxation, or culture? You'll have plenty to look forward to on your trip to Budapest. Choose a comfortable hotel and don't miss the famous spas. Buda is ancient and Pest is modern. A series of bridges connects them. Both sides of the river claim places on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sights in Budapest include Buda Castle, the Danube Embankment, and Andrassy Avenue. The Pest side has broad avenues like Paris, with several ring roads and avenues radiating from the center. You can walk through central Budapest, but there is also excellent public transport. A ride on the subway or streetcars is a must for any visitor to Budapest. It's easy to escape the crowds of tourists, since the sights are spread throughout the city.
Route for Budapest tour
Unlike Western Europe, Budapest and Hungary is not the euro, helping keep the Hungarian capital quite affordable. Don't miss Hungary's wines, some of the best in Central Europe. Hungarian cuisine is generally considered the region's best, mixing meat dishes such as goulash with spices, especially paprika. Budapest is a cosmopolitan city, and its many Michelin-starred restaurants demonstrate its culinary diversity. Hungarians are especially proud of their music, which is made evident by Budapest's nightly concerts. The bar and restaurant scene is evolving rapidly, making it one of the coolest places on our map. Your Budapest vacation may just be the best you've ever had!

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Budapest

Spend some time in Budapest on a tour that takes in other cities in Hungary and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Budapest and other destinations throughout Hungary and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

What we love about Budapest

Giorgia

Italy Team Leader

Budapest was love at first sight. I was supposed to only spend 2 nights here, but I ended up being in the city for 5 days because I really didn't want to leave. I loved everything here; the city, the vibe, the food, the people, the main sights but also the little corners and alleys that were up to me to discover. I walked 22 miles in one day here because I just didn't want to stop exploring!

Bettina

Central Europe Team Leader

Budapest: the most stunning city for me in Central Europe. Everyday it shows me its beauty, sometimes it is just some tiny little thing, like the sunshine on a gorgeous building. Every single time I see the view from the Pest side or from the Buda side I still get very emotional and feel really lucky to live in this beautiful place. On the other hand, Budapest is full of fun things to do. There is always something going on in this clean, safe and livable city. What I like the most besides the wide streets and Margaret Island is the outstanding coffee culture, with the amazing new wave of specialty cafes. Budapest, you are the best!

Sasha

Trip Planner

I like Budapest for its unique atmosphere as well as the impressive architecture and the lovely local people. My all-time favorites are the local subway system, which is the oldest in continental Europe (even King Franz Josef I traveled on its M1 line!) together with the ruin bars - the incredibly cool drinking joints inside dilapidated pre-war buildings.

Where to stay in Budapest

With Budapest's accommodation options ranging from boutique and luxury hotels, to affordable B&Bs and apartments large enough for seven people to share, whatever kind of accommodation you need, we've got it covered. Take your pick from staying on the Pest side of the river, where most of the city's restaurants and nightlife are to be found, or on the quieter Buda side, close to the castle. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Elegant Heritage Hotel in Budapest
Elegant Heritage Hotel
A beautifully renovated palace just a few steps from the Opera House, this hotel is ideally located on Andrassy Avenue right in the city center.
Classic Central Hotel in Budapest
Classic Central Hotel
Enviably located, especially for a 3-star hotel, right between St Stephen's Basilica and the Hungarian National Opera House.
Luxury Heritage Hotel in Budapest
Luxury Heritage Hotel
Located in a newly renovated historical building in the city's heart. Staying in a former palace with all the modern amenities is a dream come true.

Things to do in Budapest

We've got a broad range of city tours, day trips and excursions to keep you busy in Budapest. Explore Jewish Budapest, get to know the city fast with a private walking tour, or explore the delights of Hungarian cuisine with a gourmet food and wine tour. Budapest is also an excellent base for day tripping to many of Hungary's other highlights. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.
Budapest Private City Tour by Tuk Tuk
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Budapest Private City Tour by Tuk Tuk
Buda Private Tour
Buda Private Tour
Retro Trabant Private Tour
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Retro Trabant Private Tour
Budapest Sightseeing Private Water Limousine Tour
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Budapest Sightseeing Private Water Limousine Tour
Private Eger Wine Tour
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Private Eger Wine Tour
Hammer and Sickle Private Tour
Hammer and Sickle Private Tour
Budapest Market, Food, Coffee Private Tour
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Budapest Market, Food, Coffee Private Tour
Hungarian Parliament Group Tour
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Hungarian Parliament Group Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

  4.9 / 5
Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Budapest, based on 112 reviews
Review by Darrell, Cheryl & Lee
Darrell, Cheryl & Lee
Texas

My daughter and I traveled to Prague, Vienna and Budapest with JayWay’s excellent guidance. Our trip was a delight with knowledgeable guides, great recommendations on food, and lovely boutique European hotels. We can honestly say it was the best!

My daughter and I traveled to Prague, Vienna and Budapest with JayWay’s excellent guidance. Our trip was a delight with knowledgeable guides, great recommendations on food, and lovely boutique European hotels. We can honestly say it was the best!

Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5
Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5
Review by Carolynne & Wayne
Carolynne & Wayne

JayWay Travel has excellent efficient customer rapport. They give you the flexibility YOU want and make it work. They help you create a balance between being guided and planning your own free time.

JayWay Travel has excellent efficient customer rapport. They give you the flexibility YOU want and make it work. They help you create a balance between being guided and planning your own free time.

Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5
Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5
Review by Randy & Michael
Randy & Michael
Washington

JayWay Travel was great - very professional and it was so easy and efficient to work with them in putting together the travel trip itinerary. Their arrangements and choices made the trip a pleasure to go on with no hassle or problems but with complete freedom of schedule, activities and options. I would absolutely use JayWay the next time I travel.

JayWay Travel was great - very professional and it was so easy and efficient to work with them in putting together the travel trip itinerary. Their arrangements and choices made the trip a pleasure to go on with no hassle or problems but with complete freedom of schedule, activities and options. I would absolutely use JayWay the next time I travel.

Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5
Year : 2022
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
5 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Budapest

What are typical opening hours in Budapest?

Standard shop opening hours Monday to Friday are 10:00-18:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00. Department stores usually open at 10:00, while grocery store, bakeries and supermarkets are open 07:00-20:00. Many shops open until 20:00 or 21:00 on Thursdays. Shops are closed on Sundays, except shopping malls. Museums are generally open from 10:00 to 18:00, and usually close on Mondays. Naturally, synagogues are closed Saturdays.

How do I get around Budapest?

Almost everything is within walking distance in Budapest, but if you want to spend less time on foot and more time seeing the sights, public transport is quick and inexpensive.

Only some bus drivers sell tickets, but they do not make change and tickets purchased on the bus are more expensive. If you are using single tickets do not forget to validate your ticket when you get on the vehicle. On buses and trams the ticket is validated by a punch or electronic machine on board. Punch your ticket before you get down to the platform when using the metro. If you're going to be using public transport a lot (more than 5 journeys a day) whilst you are in Budapest we recommend a 24 or 72 hour travelcard. If you're only going to make a couple of journeys a day, then you can save a little compared to the cost of single tickets by buying a book of 10 tickets.

The Metro, day Buses and Trams run 4.20am-midnight
Night bus services - on the Grand Boulevard N.906. first 12.35AM last 4.35AM

Taxis are an option, though much more expensive than public transport, with the flag fall alone costing as much as a single journey by public transport.

Is Budapest a safe city?

Budapest is definitely a safe city with the proviso that as with any other big city there are some standard precautions you should take, such as being watchful of your wallet or purse, don't flash thick wads of banknotes or expensive jewelry and don't leave your bag or bike unguarded, don't walk alone late at night in unlit deserted streets, don't withdraw cash from ATMs in dark deserted places, don't accept drugs or unsolicited sexual approaches, don't trust people that you instinctively feel fishy, unreliable, way too strange.

Where can I park a car in Budapest?

Parking in Budapest is not easy to come by. The larger hotels often have underground parking facilities attached, though you can expect to pay a high price for the convenience (for example, the Four Seasons charges 9800 HUF ($44) per night for parking). For around 5000 HUF a day ($22) you can use a multi-storey car park. On street parking is strictly policed. There are paid parking bays and you must buy a ticket for the entire time the car is to be parked there, and there are often limits on how long you can leave a car there for. For more information and a list of multi-storey car parks, see this link. Before deciding to take a car to Budapest consider the various other ways you can get there (bus, train, plane, private transfer) and the fact that the public transport in the city is inexpensive and reliable.

How can I get local currency?
Budapest has many good exchange places, so never change money on the street. We recommend taking out Hungarian Forints from the ATMs inside banks, but you can always ask your receptionist for the closest recommended ATM or exchange place.
Are there vegan options?
The region's best cuisine, Hungarian delicacies extend beyond goulash, and almost every restaurant in Budapest offers options for vegans and those with other dietary restrictions. If you have a sweet tooth but are vegan, or have diabetes or lactose/gluten intolerances, visit Plantmilkyway. This confectionary uses only plant-based, sugar-free ingredients. If you're vegan but love a good burger, both Istvánffi Burger and Las Vegans can meet your needs. Another good option is Napfényes, a restaurant and confectionary with an a'la carte menu offering many vegan alternatives to classic Hungarian dishes.
How much can I expect to spend per day?
A simple lunch with drink is roughly $10 per person, while a proper dinner at a restaurant with drinks is more like $25 per person. Ten rides on public transportation costs about $10. Museum entrance fees ted to be around $5-13.
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